In an email sent out Thursday morning, legendary Bellport head football coach Joe Cipp said he will step down from his coaching position to focus on his role as the South Country School District’s Superintendent.

“There is no way I can be the Superintendent and Head Coach,” he wrote. “Not enough hours in the day and to be honest with you, too much of a drain on this old body. I will not be head coach in 2011.”

He started the Bellport football program in 1976 and helped the school capture its sixth Long Island title in 2010, beating Garden City. Cipp also passed Tom Cassese as the winningest head coach in Suffolk County history this season. His legendary status is sealed for life.

He will pass the program on to his sons Jeff and Joe III.

“My plan is to pass the torch to my sons and the other coaches and try as Superintendent to make this district better than we are and the best that we can be,” he said. “I will still be there to help you in any way that I can. You do not go cold turkey from something you have done for most of your life. I love Bellport Football. Let’s make it 7 in 2011.”